Queensland Consolidated Acts

MOTOR ACCIDENT INSURANCE ACT 1994 - SECT 51A

51A Compulsory conference

(1) Before the claimant brings an action in a court for damages for personal injury arising out of a motor vehicle accident, there must be a conference of the parties (the
"compulsory conference" ).

(2) Either party may call the compulsory conference—

(a) at a time and place agreed between both parties; or

(b) if the relevant date has passed—at a reasonable time and place nominated by the party calling the conference.

(3) For subsection (2) (b) , the relevant date is—

(a) the date falling 6 months after the claimant gave notice to the insurer of the claim; or

(b) if the insurer required additional information, the later of the following—

(i) the date falling 6 months after the claimant gave notice to the insurer of the claim;

(ii) the date falling 1 month after the claimant gave the insurer the completed additional information form.

(4) The parties may for good reason dispense with the compulsory conference by agreement.

(5) The court may, on application by a party—

(a) fix the time and place for the compulsory conference; or

(b) dispense with the compulsory conference for good reason;

and make any other orders the court considers appropriate in the circumstances.

(6) In considering whether to dispense with the compulsory conference, the court must take into account the extent of compliance by the parties with their respective obligations related to the claim.